• Why should I/my child take private lessons?

  • In traditional group lessons, students must wait at the wall while their peers practice with the teacher. Also, students are only able to move to new skills after meeting all the standards for a set level, which means they must repeat a level if they are taking extra time with any one skill. In contrast, SwimPossible lessons are individualized to each swimmer's needs, and they have constant attention and feedback from their instructor.

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• How long are lessons?

  • SwimPossible lessons are 30 minutes in length. We find this is usually the right amount of time for learners to focus and have efficient movements in the water. Feel free to ask us about 45 minute or 1 hour lessons. 

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• Where are lessons held?

  • SwimPossible instructors teach at partner pools in various locations in the Minneapolis metro area. We also occasionally come to clients’ pools. Right now we teach with partners in Lino Lakes, Saint Paul, Plymouth, Saint Louis Park, and Lakeville Minnesota. We are always looking to expand so if you don't see a pool close enough- still reach out so we can notify you when we come to a more convenient location. 

 

• What should we bring to the first lesson?

  • Be sure to have filled out our online registration and logged in to your parent portal! A swimsuit, towel, and goggles are a good start, and students who chill easily may benefit from a neoprene wetsuit or swim shirt. We also ask any incontinent participants wear a reusable swim diaper.

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• Do you take waivers that cover therapeutic programs?

  • Yes, we work with families who have a CDCS waiver program for their students’ lessons, as well as a variety of grants. You will need to provide the company name, address, and email where we should send the invoice. If the first invoice is denied, we ask that families pay us for lessons directly, and then work with the company to be reimbursed.

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• Do I need to be on deck for my child's lessons?

  • Yes; we require a guardian or caregiver to be present at all times for safety reasons, and to help calm a child if needed. We also like to hear parents’ suggestions for how to help motivate students, and how we can support the child’s other learning or therapy goals. You do not need to enter the water - in fact we encourage swimmers to learn without a parent in the pool when possible. 

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• What is a good age to start swimming lessons?

  • It's never too late to learn water safety! people of all ages benefit from the calming effects of water! Starting around preschool age, children are often ready to begin following instructions and learning swimming skills that will allow them to independently move through the water. In infancy lessons can help your child be comfortable in water before they form nerves around swimming. In adulthood it is still beneficial to learn water safety for you, your family, and your fitness.

 

• My child is fearful of going underwater. Will you make them do this?

  • We always take a gentle and encouraging approach which creates a trusting and positive relationship with instructors. We progress at their pace - while also pushing their comfort zone. Eventually, most of our students come to enjoy going underwater as it provides full-body pressure which is a great sensory experience (and it’s a fun, more efficient way to swim too!)

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• What kind of progress can I expect to see?

  • We start by helping each student become comfortable in and around the water. For some this goes relatively quickly and they are able to move on to swimming skills. For other students (particularly those with anxiety, sensory issues, or with negative prior experiences), this process can take longer. Then, the student’s progression through skills depends on their developmental readiness, their coordination, strength, etc. We have successfully taught numerous students with a variety of learning/physical disabilities to safely move independently in the water.